When administering diazepam, a benzodiazepine, 10 mg IV push PRN for a client with alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which actions should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply)
- A. Protect the medication from light exposure
- B. Monitor for changes in level of consciousness
- C. Observe for onset of generalized bruising or bleeding
- D. Perform ongoing assessment of respiratory status
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When administering diazepam for a client with alcohol withdrawal symptoms, it is crucial to perform ongoing assessment of respiratory status. Diazepam can lead to respiratory depression, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring to detect any signs of respiratory distress early. Protecting the medication from light exposure is a general guideline for some drugs but is not a specific concern for diazepam. Observing for bruising or bleeding is not directly associated with the administration of diazepam for alcohol withdrawal symptoms, making choices A and C incorrect.
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A female client with breast cancer who completed her first chemotherapy treatment today at an outpatient center is preparing for discharge. Which behavior indicates that the client understands her care needs?
- A. Rented movies and borrowed books to use while passing time at home
- B. Discussing dietary restrictions with the nurse
- C. Arranging follow-up appointments with her oncologist
- D. Reporting to the nurse any new or worsening symptoms
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because reporting any new or worsening symptoms to the nurse is crucial for the early detection of potential complications. This behavior shows that the client understands the importance of monitoring her health status post-chemotherapy treatment. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while renting movies, borrowing books, discussing dietary restrictions, and arranging follow-up appointments are all important aspects of care, the most critical factor immediately after chemotherapy is to monitor and report any new or worsening symptoms to healthcare providers.
While teaching a young male adult to use an inhaler for his newly diagnosed asthma, the client stares into the distance and appears to be concentrating on something other than the lesson the nurse is presenting. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Remind the client of the importance of using a rescue inhaler for asthma management
- B. Leave the client alone to process his thoughts about the inhaler
- C. Ask the client what he is thinking about at that moment
- D. Pause and inquire if the client has any questions or needs clarification
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate action for the nurse to take is to ask the client what he is thinking about at that moment. By doing so, the nurse can understand the client's concerns or distractions, which can then be addressed effectively during the teaching session. Option A is incorrect as it assumes the client is not paying attention due to forgetfulness about the importance of the inhaler, which may not be the case. Option B is incorrect because leaving the client alone without addressing the issue does not facilitate effective learning. Option D, although closer, does not directly address the client's distraction and may not uncover the underlying issue causing the lack of focus.
The charge nurse is making assignments for clients on an endocrine unit. Which client is best to assign to a new graduate nurse?
- A. A female adult with hyperthyroidism who is returning to the unit after a thyroidectomy
- B. A male adult with Cushing's syndrome who reports a headache and visual disturbances
- C. An older man with Addison's disease who is diaphoretic and has hand tremors
- D. A perimenopausal woman with Graves' disease who is nervous and has exophthalmos
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A new graduate nurse can manage the care of a stable client returning from a thyroidectomy. Choice B is not suitable for a new graduate nurse as it involves complex symptoms of Cushing's syndrome that require more experience and knowledge. Choice C presents a client with acute manifestations of Addison's disease, which may be challenging for a new graduate nurse. Choice D involves a client with Graves' disease experiencing nervousness and exophthalmos, which also require a higher level of expertise to manage effectively.
An IV antibiotic is prescribed for a client with a postoperative infection. The medication is to be administered in 4 divided doses. What schedule is best for administering this prescription?
- A. 1000, 1600, 2200, 0400
- B. Give in equally divided doses during waking hours
- C. Administer with meals and a bedtime snack
- D. 0800, 1200, 1600, 2000
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The best schedule for administering the IV antibiotic in 4 divided doses is 0800, 1200, 1600, and 2000. This timing allows for equal spacing between doses, ensuring consistent therapeutic levels of the medication in the client's system. Choice A provides doses too close together, increasing the risk of medication errors and potential toxicity. Choice B's suggestion of giving doses during waking hours is vague and lacks specific timing, which may result in irregular dosing intervals. Choice C, administering with meals and a bedtime snack, is unrelated to the timing of the antibiotic doses and does not optimize the drug's effectiveness.
A client with intestinal obstructions has a nasogastric tube to low intermittent suction and is receiving an IV of lactated Ringer's at 100 ml/H. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Gastric output of 900 mL in the last 24 hours
- B. Serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L or mmol/L (SI)
- C. Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- D. 24-hour intake at the current infusion rate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most crucial finding to report to the healthcare provider in this scenario is a serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Hypokalemia can lead to serious complications, including cardiac issues. Gastric output, increased BUN, and monitoring the 24-hour intake are essential but do not pose an immediate risk as hypokalemia does in this situation.